Looking for some amazing Gulf Coast Beaches to explore? You won’t be disappointed with any of these on this list! It’s time to get adventurous and dip those toes into the beach sand.
There’s just something about visiting a beach. Hearing the water and waves crash against the shore, smelling the beautiful air or just sitting and watching the sunset over the water…it’s all glorious and I can’t wait to experience this again this summer with my family.
If you’re wanting to have those some views and sounds, these Gulf Coast beaches need to be on your radar!
Best Gulf Coast Beaches
The Gulf States have many beautiful and pristine beaches. You probably know about the typical tourist hot spots, but there are some lesser known beaches that will just as much fun to visit. Here are just a few ideas for your next Gulf Coast beach vacation.
Santa Rosa Beach – Florida
Santa Rosa Beach is not that far from well-known Destin but has a more small-town feel. The beach also has sand like white sugar and waters a deep turquoise color. The sunsets just light up the beach and people gather just to take in the glow from the setting sun.
There is a mix of old and new in Santa Rosa Beach, too. There are historic gardens and parks nearby, but also modern restaurants and shopping.
You and your family can actually get lessons on the beach on building sandcastles, or sand sculpting! Other activities include a family fishing excursion, bicycle rentals, and golf. Water activities are offered, such as lessons for wakeboarding, water skiing, and even paddle boarding.
West Beach- Alabama
While West Beach is part of Gulf Shores, you have the option of being in the center of everything or the farther west you go on the beach you will find it less crowded. One of the biggest draws to the Gulf Shores beaches is the ultra-white sand that is so soft and great to walk in barefoot.
In the summer these waters are as warm as bath water and the waves are gentle. This makes West Beach the perfect spot for kids of all ages, and safe for wading and fun water play. May and October are the least crowded months to visit.
It is a short drive into Gulf Shores if you want amusement parks, museums or night life. If you want a more nature-driven experience Gulf State Park is nearby with beaches, nature trails, cabins, and camping.
Malaquite Beach (N. Padre Island) – Texas
Photo Credit: Terry Ross
The Padre Island National Seashore is a large part of a barrier island along the gulf coast of Texas. Malaquite Beach is one of only a handful of beaches on N. Padre Island that doesn’t allow vehicles, and it is very pristine.
There is a visitor’s center that has a small museum, gift shop, educational programs, and a snack shop. You will want to bring your own chairs, or rentals are available during the summer season. You can park your car here and walk down to the beach.
Malaquite Beach offers 4-5 miles of unspoiled white sand beach. Malaquite Pavilion also has rangers that explain various aspects of the wildlife and the ecosystem on North Padre Island.
Corpus Christi is not too far away and offers plenty of hotels and lodging. Just a ½ mile north of the visitor center is Malaquite Campgrounds, which offers 48 semi-primitive designated sites. You can pitch a tent at the campsite or on the beach.
Gulf Shores, Alabama Beaches
The area is already a top vacation pick for our family, and we take any opportunity we can to get in some Gulf Shores vacation fun.
Enjoy dolphin watching on a pontoon boat with Coastal Kayak Excursion.
Anchor at Bird and Robinson Island for some fun in the sun on the beach. It’s an excellent way to enjoy Gulf Shores vacation fun for the entire family. This was the highlight of our trip.
Enjoy sone Pier Fishing at the Gulf State Park Pier. Nothing is quite as much fun as fishing together as a family. The Gulf State Park Pier is the largest on the Gulf of Mexico at 1,540 feet long and 41,800 square feet. The pier is open for fishing 24 hours a day, and you can rent poles and buy bait on-site.
Turtle Beach -Siesta Key, Florida
With 35 miles of beach to explore, you could say that this needs to be on your radar. You’ll find some of the most beautiful sand to run about and build sand castles in, all while staring out at the blue water and sky.
There are also other activities like horseshoes and volleyball to play at the beach, making it a place that families can truly come and explore for the day.
Plus, Siesta Key, Florida offers a lot of fun shopping and places to visit as well. Booking a weekend trip to the area would make for a really great summer family vacation!
Galveston Island, Texas
Visiting this location is seriously like your own private paradise. There’s something fun for every member of your family to explore.
But the beach? It’ll keep you coming back year after year. You can’t beat the views and the calmness that the area has.
If you’re a fan of state parks, make certain that you also check out the Galveston Island State Park. It offers 2,000 acres of nature that is untouched by the outside world.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Planning a Gulf Coast beach vacation to this area needs to happen. Orange Beach in Alabama is like the perfect combination of relaxation and fun activities. If one family member wants to dip their toes in the sand and relax while the others explore, the beach is set up to let that happen easily.
Take out a kayak or just watch as the waves come rolling in. This is one Gulf Coast beach that has true natural beauty wrapped up with some fun modern amenities as well.
Don’t miss out on some of these amazing Gulf Coast beaches! You’ll love being able to explore them all and see just how beautiful they truly are!
Leave a Reply